A switching power converter with a controlled startup mechanism includes a
switching stage which provides a voltage V.sub.out at an output node in
response to a switching control signal, with the output node adapted for
connection to a non-linear load. A feedback network compares a signal
which varies with the current conducted by the load (I.sub.load) with a
reference signal, and provides the switching control signal so as to
maintain I.sub.load at a desired value. A capacitor connected to the
output node provides a current I.sub.c to the feedback network which
varies with dV.sub.out/dt. The feedback network is arranged to limit
dV.sub.out/dt in response to current I.sub.c when I.sub.load is
substantially zero. In this way, large inrush currents or damage that
might otherwise occur during startup are avoided.